Lead Isotope Analysis of Bronze Bells from Spanish Colonization Era

Author(s): Alexandra Edwards; Robert Speakman; Alice Hunt; David Thomas; Anna Semon

Year: 2018

Summary

This study focuses on using analytical techniques, such as Multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) and X-ray Florescence (XRF), to determine lead isotope levels of bronze bells from the Spanish colonization era within South Carolina and New Mexico. These values are compared both against one another geographically and against ore isotopic data within regional and possible imported geographic regions. The goal is to both discern whether these bells are locally sourced and manufactured or imported from Spain, and to create a baseline for isotopic values within the area. Preliminary studies using XRF against ores have shown that the bells recovered have been both a mix of locally sourced and imports from Spain.

Cite this Record

Lead Isotope Analysis of Bronze Bells from Spanish Colonization Era. Alexandra Edwards, Robert Speakman, Alice Hunt, David Thomas, Anna Semon. Presented at The 82nd Annual Meeting of the Society for American Archaeology, Washington, DC. 2018 ( tDAR id: 443494)

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Keywords

General
Archaeometry & Materials Analysis • Quantitative and Spatial Analysis

Geographic Keywords
North America

Spatial Coverage

min long: -168.574; min lat: 7.014 ; max long: -54.844; max lat: 74.683 ;

Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 21639